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Jairam Ramesh, who got into jam on Sunday for his controversial remarks on China, appears to be safe for now.

The environment minister had reportedly said in Beijing that the home ministry and the security establishment were being alarmist and paranoid when it came to Chinese companies wanting to do business in India.

The Centre and Congress sources said though the minister's remarks over government policies caused embarrassment to the country, he might get a reprieve.

However, on Thursday Congress spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed said the "matter should be treated as closed. He has already explained his position to the Prime Minister, the Congress president and (home minister) P. Chidambaram". Ramesh had met Chidambaram on Wednesday and clarified the context of his statement.

The Congress and sources close to Ramesh denied reports that he offered to resign over the ruckus. A Union Minister said: "If the high command or the Prime Minister really wanted Ramesh's resignation, it would have taken just a minute."

The sources also said that he was summoned by the Prime Minister on Thursday because a cabinet agenda needed the vetting of the environment ministry. The PM accepted his suggestions on dams and hydel project safety requirements.

Asked to comment on reports that Ramesh, whose Rajya Sabha term from Andhra Pradesh is ending shortly, may not get another ticket, a senior AICC leader said only Sonia Gandhi could take a final call on this.

Party sources said at a time when the government was gearing up to celebrate the first year in office, it was unlikely that the Prime Minister would sack another minister soon after the resignation of Shashi Tharoor last month.

Much to the relief of the government and the party, Parliament is not in session for the Opposition to make it a big issue.

Disapproving Ramesh's remarks, the Prime Minister and the Congress had reprimanded him even as the Opposition BJP had demanded action against him for his comments.

The sources said though Ramesh committed a grave error in criticising the home ministry and its China policy standing on the soil of China, the party could let him off with a rap as he is considered an upright and articulate politician who does not have a corrupt image. He is rated as one of the best campaign strategist of the party.

However, the BJP reiterated its demand for Ramesh's removal from the council of ministers, saying he was at odds with the functioning of the government.

"Ramesh's apology to the home minister is inadequate and what he said in China is inappropriate... The minister is at odds with what is happening in the government. The Prime Minister should remove him,"BJP spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman said.

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